1
|
Pedersen EA, Verhaegen ME, Joseph MK, Harms KL, Harms PW. Merkel cell carcinoma: updates in tumor biology, emerging therapies, and preclinical models. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1413793. [PMID: 39136002 PMCID: PMC11317257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1413793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma thought to arise via either viral (Merkel cell polyomavirus) or ultraviolet-associated pathways. Surgery and radiotherapy have historically been mainstays of management, and immunotherapy has improved outcomes for advanced disease. However, there remains a lack of effective therapy for those patients who fail to respond to these established approaches, underscoring a critical need to better understand MCC biology for more effective prognosis and treatment. Here, we review the fundamental aspects of MCC biology and the recent advances which have had profound impact on management. The first genetically-engineered mouse models for MCC tumorigenesis provide opportunities to understand the potential MCC cell of origin and may prove useful for preclinical investigation of novel therapeutics. The MCC cell of origin debate has also been advanced by recent observations of MCC arising in association with a clonally related hair follicle tumor or squamous cell carcinoma in situ. These studies also suggested a role for epigenetics in the origin of MCC, highlighting a potential utility for this therapeutic avenue in MCC. These and other therapeutic targets form the basis for a wealth of ongoing clinical trials to improve MCC management. Here, we review these recent advances in the context of the existing literature and implications for future investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mallory K. Joseph
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kelly L. Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Paul W. Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shin SU, Cho HM, Das R, Gil-Henn H, Ramakrishnan S, Al Bayati A, Carroll SF, Zhang Y, Sankar AP, Elledge C, Pimentel A, Blonska M, Rosenblatt JD. Inhibition of Vasculogenic Mimicry and Angiogenesis by an Anti-EGFR IgG1-Human Endostatin-P125A Fusion Protein Reduces Triple Negative Breast Cancer Metastases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112904. [PMID: 34831127 PMCID: PMC8616280 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited therapeutic options. Metastasis is the major cause of TNBC mortality. Angiogenesis facilitates TNBC metastases. Many TNBCs also form vascular channels lined by tumor cells rather than endothelial cells, known as ‘vasculogenic mimicry’ (VM). VM has been linked to metastatic TNBC behavior and resistance to anti-angiogenic agents. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently expressed on TNBC, but anti-EGFR antibodies have limited efficacy. We synthesized an anti-EGFR antibody–endostatin fusion protein, αEGFR IgG1-huEndo-P125A (αEGFR-E-P125A), designed to deliver a mutant endostatin, huEndo-P125A (E-P125A), to EGFR expressing tumors, and tested its effects on angiogenesis, TNBC VM, and motility in vitro, and on the growth and metastasis of two independent human TNBC xenograft models in vivo. αEGFR-E-P125A completely inhibited the ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells to form capillary-like structures (CLS) and of TNBC cells to engage in VM and form tubes in vitro. αEGFR-E-P125A treatment reduced endothelial and TNBC motility in vitro more effectively than E-P125A or cetuximab, delivered alone or in combination. Treatment of TNBC with αEGFR-E-P125A was associated with a reduction in cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin and reduced phosphorylation of vimentin. αEGFR-E-P125A treatment of TNBC xenografts in vivo inhibited angiogenesis and VM, reduced primary tumor growth and lung metastasis of orthotopically implanted MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells, and markedly decreased lung metastases following intravenous injection of MDA-MB-231-4175 lung-tropic TNBC cells. Combined inhibition of angiogenesis, VM, and TNBC motility mediated by αEGFR-E-P125A is a promising strategy for the prevention of TNBC metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Uon Shin
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Hyun-Mi Cho
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Rathin Das
- Synergys Biotherapeutics Inc., Alamo, CA 94507, USA; (R.D.); (S.F.C.)
| | - Hava Gil-Henn
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel;
| | - Sundaram Ramakrishnan
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Ahmed Al Bayati
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
- Kentucky Clinic, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | | | - Yu Zhang
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Ankita P. Sankar
- Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.P.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Christian Elledge
- Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (A.P.S.); (C.E.)
| | - Augustin Pimentel
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Marzenna Blonska
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Joseph D. Rosenblatt
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (UMMSOM), Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.-U.S.); (H.-M.C.); (A.A.B.); (Y.Z.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-243-4618; Fax: +1-305-243-9161
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aspriţoiu VM, Stoica I, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC. Epigenetic Regulation of Angiogenesis in Development and Tumors Progression: Potential Implications for Cancer Treatment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689962. [PMID: 34552922 PMCID: PMC8451900 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a multi-stage process of new blood vessel development from pre-existing vessels toward an angiogenic stimulus. The process is essential for tissue maintenance and homeostasis during embryonic development and adult life as well as tumor growth. Under normal conditions, angiogenesis is involved in physiological processes, such as wound healing, cyclic regeneration of the endometrium, placental development and repairing certain cardiac damage, in pathological conditions, it is frequently associated with cancer development and metastasis. The control mechanisms of angiogenesis in carcinogenesis are tightly regulated at the genetic and epigenetic level. While genetic alterations are the critical part of gene silencing in cancer cells, epigenetic dysregulation can lead to repression of tumor suppressor genes or oncogene activation, becoming an important event in early development and the late stages of tumor development, as well. The global alteration of the epigenetic spectrum, which includes DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, microRNAs, and other chromatin components, is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer, and the efforts are concentrated on the discovery of molecular epigenetic markers that identify cancerous precursor lesions or early stage cancer. This review aims to highlight recent findings on the genetic and epigenetic changes that can occur in physiological and pathological angiogenesis and analyze current knowledge on how deregulation of epigenetic modifiers contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor maintenance. Also, we will evaluate the clinical relevance of epigenetic markers of angiogenesis and the potential use of "epi-drugs" in modulating the responsiveness of cancer cells to anticancer therapy through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy as anti-angiogenic strategies in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ileana Stoica
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Romanian Academy, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ge H, Luo H. Overview of advances in vasculogenic mimicry - a potential target for tumor therapy. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:2429-2437. [PMID: 30122992 PMCID: PMC6080880 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s164675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes the process utilized by highly aggressive cancer cells to generate vascular-like structures without the presence of endothelial cells. VM has been vividly described in various tumors and participates in cancer progression dissemination and metastasis. Diverse molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways are involved in VM formation. Furthermore, the patterning characteristics of VM, detected with molecular imaging, are being investigated for use as a tool to aid clinical practice. This review explores the most recent studies investigating the role of VM in tumor induction. Indeed, the recognition of these advances will increasingly affect the development of novel therapeutic target strategies for VM in human cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ge
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China,
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China, .,Division of Graduate, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Luo X, Zeng T, He S, Lin C. The Combined Effects of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Microporous Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrices on the Regeneration of Skin Accessory Cells In Vivo. J Burn Care Res 2018; 39:481-490. [PMID: 29901803 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irx002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of microporous porcine acellular dermal matrices (MPADM)-containing bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on accessory skin cell regeneration in vivo. Two kinds of the porcine acellular dermal matrices were prepared: one with microsized pores (the MPADM) and another without pores (the PADM). BMMSC populations from a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat were seeded on both PADMs and MPADMs and cultured in vitro for 5 days. These rats were randomly divided into four groups: BMMSCs on an MPADM and covered with a PADM layer (group A), MPADM without cells and covered with a split-thickness skin graft (SSG) (group B), BMMSCs on an MPADM and covered with an SSG (group C), and BMMSCs on a PADM and covered with an SSG (group D). On post-surgery day (PSD) 5, all groups survived, except for group D. On PSD 7, there was no significant difference in the functional vascularization between groups A, B, and C. On PSD 14, large quantities of new capillaries, a larger rough endoplasmic reticulum in fibroblasts, and de novo unmyelinated nerve endings could be observed at the junction between the skin graft and the dermal matrix in group C; however, these structures were absent in groups A and B. The experimental results showed that MPADM could induce exogenous differentiation of BMMSCs in vivo and promote reconstruction of skin accessory cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Luo
- Center of the Wound and Burn, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Taofang Zeng
- Department of Burn, the People's Hospital of Yichun, China
| | - Sunyue He
- Class Six of Grade 2012, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Cai Lin
- Center of the Wound and Burn, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Knips J, Czech-Sioli M, Spohn M, Heiland M, Moll I, Grundhoff A, Schumacher U, Fischer N. Spontaneous lung metastasis formation of human Merkel cell carcinoma cell lines transplanted into scid mice. Int J Cancer 2017; 141:160-171. [PMID: 28380668 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer entity that frequently leads to rapid death due to its high propensity to metastasize. The etiology of most MCC cases is linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a virus which is monoclonally integrated in up to 95% of tumors. While there are presently no animal models to study the role of authentic MCPyV infection on transformation, tumorigenesis or metastasis formation, xenograft mouse models employing engrafted MCC-derived cell lines (MCCL) represent a promising approach to study certain aspects of MCC pathogenesis. Here, the two MCPyV-positive MCC cell lines WaGa and MKL-1 were subcutaneously engrafted in scid mice. Engraftment of both MCC cell lines resulted in the appearance of circulating tumor cells and metastasis formation, with WaGa-engrafted mice showing a significantly shorter survival time as well as increased numbers of spontaneous lung metastases compared to MKL-1 mice. Interestingly, explanted tumors compared to parental cell lines exhibit an upregulation of MCPyV sT-Antigen expression in all tumors, with WaGa tumors showing significantly higher sT-Antigen expression than MKL-1 tumors. RNA-Seq analysis of explanted tumors and parental cell lines furthermore revealed that in the more aggressive WaGa tumors, genes involved in inflammatory response, growth factor activity and Wnt signalling pathway are significantly upregulated, suggesting that sT-Antigen is the driver of the observed differences in metastasis formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Knips
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manja Czech-Sioli
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Heinrich-Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Research Group Virus Genomics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Heinrich-Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Research Group Virus Genomics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Max Heiland
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingrid Moll
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich-Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Research Group Virus Genomics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yadavalli S, Jayaram S, Manda SS, Madugundu AK, Nayakanti DS, Tan TZ, Bhat R, Rangarajan A, Chatterjee A, Gowda H, Thiery JP, Kumar P. Data-Driven Discovery of Extravasation Pathway in Circulating Tumor Cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43710. [PMID: 28262832 PMCID: PMC5337960 DOI: 10.1038/srep43710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a crucial role in cancer dissemination and provide a promising source of blood-based markers. Understanding the spectrum of transcriptional profiles of CTCs and their corresponding regulatory mechanisms will allow for a more robust analysis of CTC phenotypes. The current challenge in CTC research is the acquisition of useful clinical information from the multitude of high-throughput studies. To gain a deeper understanding of CTC heterogeneity and identify genes, pathways and processes that are consistently affected across tumors, we mined the literature for gene expression profiles in CTCs. Through in silico analysis and the integration of CTC-specific genes, we found highly significant biological mechanisms and regulatory processes acting in CTCs across various cancers, with a particular enrichment of the leukocyte extravasation pathway. This pathway appears to play a pivotal role in the migration of CTCs to distant metastatic sites. We find that CTCs from multiple cancers express both epithelial and mesenchymal markers in varying amounts, which is suggestive of dynamic and hybrid states along the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) spectrum. Targeting the specific molecular nodes to monitor disease and therapeutic control of CTCs in real time will likely improve the clinical management of cancer progression and metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Yadavalli
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India
| | - S. Jayaram
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India
- Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - S. S. Manda
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India
- Center for Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605 014, India
| | - A. K. Madugundu
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India
- Center for Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605 014, India
| | - D. S. Nayakanti
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India
| | - T. Z. Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - R. Bhat
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - A. Rangarajan
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - A. Chatterjee
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India
- YU-IOB Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - H. Gowda
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India
- YU-IOB Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, 575018, India
| | - J. P. Thiery
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institut Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France
- CNRS UMR 7057, Matter and Complex Systems, Université Paris Diderot, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet 75013 Paris, France
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - P. Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560 066, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Williamson SC, Metcalf RL, Trapani F, Mohan S, Antonello J, Abbott B, Leong HS, Chester CPE, Simms N, Polanski R, Nonaka D, Priest L, Fusi A, Carlsson F, Carlsson A, Hendrix MJC, Seftor REB, Seftor EA, Rothwell DG, Hughes A, Hicks J, Miller C, Kuhn P, Brady G, Simpson KL, Blackhall FH, Dive C. Vasculogenic mimicry in small cell lung cancer. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13322. [PMID: 27827359 PMCID: PMC5105195 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by prevalent circulating tumour cells (CTCs), early metastasis and poor prognosis. We show that SCLC patients (37/38) have rare CTC subpopulations co-expressing vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin) and cytokeratins consistent with vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a process whereby tumour cells form 'endothelial-like' vessels. Single-cell genomic analysis reveals characteristic SCLC genomic changes in both VE-cadherin-positive and -negative CTCs. Higher levels of VM are associated with worse overall survival in 41 limited-stage patients' biopsies (P<0.025). VM vessels are also observed in 9/10 CTC patient-derived explants (CDX), where molecular analysis of fractionated VE-cadherin-positive cells uncovered copy-number alterations and mutated TP53, confirming human tumour origin. VE-cadherin is required for VM in NCI-H446 SCLC xenografts, where VM decreases tumour latency and, despite increased cisplatin intra-tumour delivery, decreases cisplatin efficacy. The functional significance of VM in SCLC suggests VM regulation may provide new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart C. Williamson
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Robert L. Metcalf
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Francesca Trapani
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Sumitra Mohan
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Jenny Antonello
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Benjamin Abbott
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Hui Sun Leong
- Computational Biology Support Team, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Christopher P. E. Chester
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Nicole Simms
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Radoslaw Polanski
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Daisuke Nonaka
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Lynsey Priest
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Alberto Fusi
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Fredrika Carlsson
- University of Southern California Dornsife, Los Angeles, California 90089-3301, USA
| | - Anders Carlsson
- University of Southern California Dornsife, Los Angeles, California 90089-3301, USA
| | - Mary J. C. Hendrix
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Richard E. B. Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Elisabeth A. Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Dominic G. Rothwell
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Andrew Hughes
- The Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - James Hicks
- University of Southern California Dornsife, Los Angeles, California 90089-3301, USA
| | - Crispin Miller
- RNA Biology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Peter Kuhn
- University of Southern California Dornsife, Los Angeles, California 90089-3301, USA
| | - Ged Brady
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Kathryn L. Simpson
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Fiona H. Blackhall
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- The Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Cancer Research UK, Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Caroline Dive
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Cancer Research UK, Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hendrix MJC, Seftor EA, Seftor REB, Chao JT, Chien DS, Chu YW. Tumor cell vascular mimicry: Novel targeting opportunity in melanoma. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 159:83-92. [PMID: 26808163 PMCID: PMC4779708 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In 1999, the American Journal of Pathology published an article, entitled "Vascular channel formation by human melanoma cells in vivo and in vitro: vasculogenic mimicry" by Maniotis and colleagues, which ignited a spirited debate for several years and earned the journal's distinction of a "citation classic" (Maniotis et al., 1999). Tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry (VM), also known as vascular mimicry, describes the plasticity of aggressive cancer cells forming de novo vascular networks and is associated with the malignant phenotype and poor clinical outcome. The tumor cells capable of VM share the commonality of a stem cell-like, transendothelial phenotype, which may be induced by hypoxia. Since its introduction as a novel paradigm for melanoma tumor perfusion, many studies have contributed new findings illuminating the underlying molecular pathways supporting VM in a variety of tumors, including carcinomas, sarcomas, glioblastomas, astrocytomas, and melanomas. Of special significance is the lack of effectiveness of angiogenesis inhibitors on tumor cell VM, suggesting a selective resistance by this phenotype to conventional therapy. Facilitating the functional plasticity of tumor cell VM are key proteins associated with vascular, stem cell, extracellular matrix, and hypoxia-related signaling pathways--each deserving serious consideration as potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic indicators of the aggressive, metastatic phenotype. This review highlights seminal findings pertinent to VM, including the effects of a novel, small molecular compound, CVM-1118, currently under clinical development to target VM, and illuminates important molecular pathways involved in the suppression of this plastic, aggressive phenotype, using melanoma as a model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary J C Hendrix
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60614, United States; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
| | - Elisabeth A Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60614, United States; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kleffel S, Lee N, Lezcano C, Wilson BJ, Sobolewski K, Saab KR, Mueller H, Zhan Q, Posch C, Elco CP, DoRosario A, Garcia SS, Thakuria M, Wang YE, Wang LC, Murphy GF, Frank MH, Schatton T. ABCB5-Targeted Chemoresistance Reversal Inhibits Merkel Cell Carcinoma Growth. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:838-846. [PMID: 26827764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2015.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with profound but poorly understood resistance to chemotherapy, which poses a significant barrier to clinical MCC treatment. Here we show that ATP-binding cassette member B5 (ABCB5) confers resistance to standard-of-care MCC chemotherapeutic agents and provide proof-of-principle that ABCB5 blockade can inhibit human MCC tumor growth through sensitization to drug-induced cell cytotoxicity. ABCB5 expression was detected in both established MCC lines and clinical MCC specimens at levels significantly higher than those in normal skin. Carboplatin- and etoposide-resistant MCC cell lines exhibited increased expression of ABCB5, along with enhanced ABCB1 and ABCC3 transcript expression. ABCB5-expressing MCC cells in heterogeneous cancers preferentially survived treatment with carboplatin and etoposide in vitro and in human MCC xenograft-bearing mice in vivo. Moreover, patients with MCC also exhibited enhanced ABCB5 positivity after carboplatin- and etoposide-based chemotherapy, pointing to clinical significance of this chemoresistance mechanism. Importantly, ABCB5 blockade reversed MCC drug resistance and impaired tumor growth in xenotransplantation models in vivo. Our results establish ABCB5 as a chemoresistance mechanism in MCC and suggest utility of this molecular target for improved MCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Kleffel
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nayoung Lee
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cecilia Lezcano
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian J Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristine Sobolewski
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karim R Saab
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hansgeorg Mueller
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qian Zhan
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christian Posch
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher P Elco
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew DoRosario
- Dana Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah S Garcia
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Dana Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manisha Thakuria
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Dana Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yaoyu E Wang
- Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Linda C Wang
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Dana Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George F Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Markus H Frank
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
| | - Tobias Schatton
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bedal KB, Grässel S, Spanier G, Reichert TE, Bauer RJ. The NC11 domain of human collagen XVI induces vasculogenic mimicry in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Carcinogenesis 2015; 36:1429-39. [PMID: 26424749 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgv141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen XVI, a fibril-associated collagen with interrupted triple helix (FACIT) collagen, is involved in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and glioblastoma progression. The NC11 domain of collagen XVI has been described previously with a strong implication in physiological processes. We detected the non-collagenous (NC) 11-domain in supernatants of OSCC cells after recombinant expression of full-length collagen XVI and in sera from OSCC patients and healthy individuals. Stable expression of NC11-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein in OSCC cells initiated proliferation control and block of anchorage-independent growth. Moreover, the NC11 domain triggered the generation of tubular-like net structures on laminin-rich matrix in contrast to mock-GFP control cells and cells expressing full-length collagen XVI. Taqman® quantitative PCR and diaminobenzidine staining in 2D- and 3D cell culture revealed a significantly increased gene and protein expression of VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and uPAR in recombinant NC11-GFP-expressing cells. Specific VEGF receptor inhibition with Axitinib or fetal calf serum heat inactivation prevented formation of tubular-like net structures. Accordantly, NC11-GFP coated culture slides led to an increase of focal adhesion contact formation and the upregulation of VEGFR1 and uPAR in three different non-transfected OSCC cell lines. In summary, we suggest that the NC11 domain of collagen XVI is a potential biomarker for OSCC and triggers vasculogenic mimicry via upregulation of endothelial receptors VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and uPAR in 2D- and 3D OSCC cell culture conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstanze B Bedal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg 93059, 93053 Regensburg, Germany, Centre for Medical Biotechnology, BioPark I 93053, Regensburg, Germany and
| | - Susanne Grässel
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, BioPark I 93053, Regensburg, Germany and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Experimental Orthopaedics, University Hospital Regensburg 93059, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerrit Spanier
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg 93059, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Torsten E Reichert
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg 93059, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Richard J Bauer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg 93059, 93053 Regensburg, Germany, Centre for Medical Biotechnology, BioPark I 93053, Regensburg, Germany and
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Phenotypic diversity of patient-derived melanoma populations in stem cell medium. J Transl Med 2015; 95:672-83. [PMID: 25867763 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanomas are highly heterogeneous tumors and there is no treatment effective at achieving long-term remission for metastatic melanoma patients. Thus, an appropriate model system for studying melanoma biology and response to drugs is necessary. It has been shown that composition of the medium is a critical factor in preserving the complexity of the tumor in in vitro settings, and melanospheres maintained in stem cell medium are a good model in this respect. In the present study, we observed that not all nodular melanoma patient-derived cell populations grown in stem cell medium were capable of forming melanospheres, and cell aggregates and anchorage-independent single-cell cultures emerged instead. Self-renewing capacity and unlimited growth potential indicated the presence of cells with stem-like properties in all patient-derived populations but immunophenotype and MITF expression exhibited variability. Enhanced MITF expression and activity was observed in melanospheres in comparison with cell aggregates and single-cell culture, and hypoxic-like conditions that increased the ability of single-cell population to form melanospheres enhanced MITF expression and cell pigmentation as well. Thus, MITF seems to be a critical transcription factor for formation of both patient-derived and hypoxia-induced melanospheres. After 2 years of continuous culturing, melanospheres progressively underwent transition into cell aggregates that was accompanied by changes in expression of several MITF-dependent genes associated with melanogenesis and survival and alterations in the composition of subpopulations but not in the frequency of ABCB5-positive cells. Several biological properties of parent tumor are well preserved in patient-derived melanospheres, but during prolonged culturing the heterogeneity is substantially lost when the melanospheres are substituted by cell aggregates. This should be considered when cell aggregates instead of melanospheres are used in the study of melanoma biology and cell response to drugs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Compton LA, Murphy GF, Lian CG. Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry in Cutaneous Neoplasia: An Update. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2015; 2:15-42. [PMID: 27047932 PMCID: PMC4816435 DOI: 10.1159/000377698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an important adjunct in the diagnosis of neoplastic skin diseases. In addition to the many established IHC markers currently in use, new markers continue to emerge, although their general acceptance and routine application requires robust validation. Here, we summarize the most well-established and commonly used biomarkers along with an array of newer ones reported in the past several decades that either demonstrate or hold high clinical promise in the field of cutaneous pathology. We also highlight recent applications of novel IHC markers in melanoma diagnosis including genetic mutation status markers [e.g. BRAF (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B) and NRAS (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog)] and an epigenetic alteration marker (e.g. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine). We specifically focus on the role of IHC in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesions that fall under the following categories: melanoma, epidermal tumors with an intraepidermal epitheliomatous pattern, spindle cell lesions of the dermis, small round blue cell tumors of the dermis, and cutaneous adnexal tumors. While IHC is a valuable tool in diagnostic dermatopathology, marker selection and interpretation must be highly informed by clinical context and the histologic differential diagnosis. With rapid progress in our understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of tumorigenesis, new IHC markers will continue to emerge in the field of diagnostic dermatopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Compton
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., USA
| | - George F Murphy
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., USA
| | - Christine G Lian
- Program in Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mai KT, Truong LD, Ball CG, Olberg B, Lai CK, Purgina B. Lymphatic endothelial cancerization in papillary thyroid carcinoma: hidden evidence of lymphatic invasion. Pathol Int 2015; 65:220-30. [PMID: 25722068 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesize that cystic structures in metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) develop along the framework of lymphatic channels. To investigate this phenomenon, different categories of PTC were immunostained for D2-40 and TTF1. In this study, reactivity for D2-40 was considered as positive when there is membranous staining as often seen in lymphatic endothelial cells. Thirty cases of PTC with lymph node metastasis or with potential for lymphatic invasion and 20 cases metastatic PTC in lymph nodes were reviewed and found to show double/mosaic immunoreactivity for TTF1/D2-40 in 40-100% of cases. PTC metastasis in lymph nodes with cysts and some branching lymphatic-like channels lined by follicular cells with or without nuclear features of PTC were diffusely reactive to TTF1, and focally to D2-40. For primary and metastatic PTC, focal membranous D2-40 reactivity was also demonstrated in cysts or cleft linings. For25 thyroid neoplasms with no known potential for lymphatic invasion, there was no such immunoreactivity. The mosaic or double immunoreactivity for TTF1/D2-40 suggests lymphatic cancerization and possible endothelial mimicry of follicular cells. Mosaic/double immunoreactivity is helpful to detect the hidden pattern of lymphatic invasion masquerading as 'benign-appearing' follicles and supports our hypothesis of malignant cells developing along the lymphatic framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kien T Mai
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|